Austrian military aviation expert Tom Cooper has backed claims that Pakistan’s air losses during India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025 were significantly greater than officially acknowledged, calling the operation a milestone in modern aerial warfare.
The revelations come after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed on August 9 that the Indian Air Force shot down six Pakistani aircraft during the four-day conflict – five fighter jets and one large surveillance aircraft, likely an AEW&C. Cooper says evidence points to even more aircraft destroyed, including those hit on the ground.
Launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, Operation Sindoor showcased India’s ability to strike deep inside Pakistani territory. Cooper noted that a highlight of the campaign was the unprecedented destruction of a Pakistani Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft over Dinga using an S-400 missile at a range of over 300 kilometres – the longest recorded surface-to-air kill publicly acknowledged.
The engagement demonstrated India’s expanding anti-access/area-denial capability, leveraging the Russian-made S-400 Triumf system’s 40N6E missile. The loss of the AEW&C severely degraded Pakistan’s aerial surveillance, creating a significant operational gap.
Cooper’s analysis also cites satellite imagery and intelligence confirming extensive damage to Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Mushaf, Bholari, and Shahbaz. Strikes reportedly destroyed aircraft in hangars, including additional AEW&C units and F-16 fighters under maintenance.
The expert said Pakistan’s request for a ceasefire on May 10 indicated its recognition of mounting losses and the risk of a complete collapse of air superiority. He contrasted the credibility of these claims with the disputed 2019 Balakot incident, noting the thorough three-month verification process involving radar, satellite, and electronic intercept data.
Cooper stressed the strategic implications of India targeting nuclear weapon storage facilities at PAF Base Mushaf, calling it a signal of confidence in neutralizing any Pakistani retaliation. The S-400 network, supported by systems like Akash missiles, reportedly intercepted most Pakistani counter-strikes.
Internationally, the operation is being viewed as a decisive demonstration of India’s integrated air power, precision strike capability, and advanced air defence. Cooper concluded that Operation Sindoor fundamentally shifted the regional balance, setting new benchmarks in both tactical and strategic military effectiveness.
